Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing a roaming controlled wireless network and services

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing a roaming controlled wireless network and services is provided. The method includes assigning an identifier and key to a multi-mode network-enabled communications device, the identifier and key inaccessible to an end user of the communications device. The method further includes assigning an identifier and key to a gateway device. The method further includes configuring an auto-provisioning element on each of the devices and remotely provisioning activation of roaming controlled communications services for the end user of the communications device. The remote provisioning includes transmitting a signal to one of the devices configured with the auto-provisioning element, which causes the devices to exchange identifiers and keys via a wireless local network. In response to exchanging the identifiers and keys between the devices, the communications device is permitted to communicate over the wireline network via the gateway device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.60/695,131, filed on Jun. 29, 2005, the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to communications systems andservices, and more particularly, to methods, systems, and computerprogram products for implementing a roaming controlled wireless networkand related services.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.60/695,131, filed on Jun. 29, 2005, the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

There exist a variety of choices today for implementing communicationsactivities. This is partly because many types of communications devicesthat were once limited to a specific application (e.g., cell phone forvoice communications) are being adapted for other uses as well (e.g., acell phone including a digital camera and web browser application).Pagers, personal digital assistants, and similar devices are also beingdeveloped for use in a variety of different applications.

Additionally, there are a variety of types of networks and technologiesused to facilitate these disparate forms of communications. Some ofthese network services and technologies are more costly to implementthan others. Moreover, the quality of service provided may vary fromnetwork to network.

With the advent of this crossover functionality of communicationsdevices, there is a need to provision these devices for use with variousnetworks and services.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments include a method for implementing a roamingcontrolled wireless network and services. The method includes assigningan identifier and key to a multi-mode network-enabled communicationsdevice, the identifier and key being inaccessible to an end user of thecommunications device. The method further includes assigning anidentifier and key to a gateway device, the identifier and keyinaccessible to an end user of the gateway device, the gateway device incommunication with a wireline network. The method further includesconfiguring auto-provisioning elements on each of the devices. Themethod further includes remotely provisioning activation of roamingcontrolled communications services for the end user of thecommunications device. The remote provisioning includes transmitting asignal to one of the devices with the auto-provisioning element, whichcauses the devices to exchange identifiers and keys via a wireless localnetwork. In response to exchanging identifiers and keys between thedevices, the communications device is permitted to communicate over thewireline network via the gateway device.

Additional exemplary embodiments include a system, device, and computerprogram product for implementing and auto-provisioning the roamingcontrolled wireless network and services.

Other systems, methods, and/or computer program products according toembodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art uponreview of the following drawings and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, and/or computerprogram products be included within this description, be within thescope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanyingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alikein the several FIGURES:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system upon which the roamingcontrolled wireless network and auto-provisioning feature may beimplemented in exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram describing a process for implementing theroaming controlled wireless network including the auto-provisioningfeature in exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a user interface screen depicting sample options available viathe roaming controlled wireless network system in exemplary embodiments;and

FIG. 4 is a diagram depicting a wide-scale network deployment of aroaming controlled wireless network and services in exemplaryembodiments.

The detailed description explains the exemplary embodiments, togetherwith advantages and features, by way of example with reference to thedrawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a roaming controlled wirelessnetwork system and related services are provided. The roaming controlledwireless network system enables the control of communications that arepermitted for devices over a network. An auto-provisioning featureenables configuration of a communications device and correspondingaccess point such that the communications device and the access pointexchange identifiers, e.g., private service set identifiers (SSIDs) andsecurity keys between each other upon a request for activation of theservices provided by the controlled roaming wireless network system. Theauto-provisioning feature may be implemented remotely from a centralizedsystem without any explicit action required of the end user (i.e., theuser of the communications device).

Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary system upon which theroaming-controlled network and related services may be implemented willnow be described. The system of FIG. 1 includes a host system 102 incommunication with a multi-mode communications device, e.g., a dual modecommunications device 104, (also referred to herein as communicationsdevice) via one or more networks, such as network(s) 106. Host system102 may be implemented by a service provider entity that providescommunications services to end users (e.g., user of communicationsdevice 104 for a fee). Host system 102 may alternatively be implementedby a third-party applications service provider (ASP) that coordinatesthe auto-provisioning network activities described herein on behalf of acommunications service provider. The host system 102 executes one ormore applications for providing the auto-provisioned, roaming-controlledwireless network services described herein. These one or moreapplications are referred to herein as an auto-provisioning application114.

An operator or authorized individual of host system 102 may performroaming control network configuration functions, as well as initiateauto-provisioning of devices (e.g., communications device 104 andgateways 128, 130) via the auto-provisioning application 114. Inaccordance with exemplary embodiments, the auto-provisioning application114 includes a user interface for this purpose, a sample of which isshown and described in FIG. 3. Other applications, e.g., a web serverapplication, may also be executed via host system 102. For purposes ofillustration, host system 102 represents a communications serviceprovider entity that provides voice, data, and applicationcommunications services via users of communications devices, such ascommunications device 104.

Host system 102 is in communication with a storage device 108, which isalso included in the system of FIG. 1. Storage device 108 stores avariety of information in one or more databases for use by theauto-provisioning application 114. For example, information that may bestored in storage device 108 includes identifiers for networks, accesspoints and communications devices that are serviced by theauto-provisioning system. Also, the nature of the services, includingterms, conditions, pricing, etc., may also be stored in storage device108. Storage device 108 may further store customer or account records.These items are described further herein.

While host system 102 is shown in FIG. 1 to be in direct communicationwith storage device 108, it will be understood that host system 102 maycommunicate remotely with storage device 108 over one or more networks106.

Network(s) 106 may include multiple wireless and wireline networks(e.g., cellular and broadband). Cellular communications between wirelessdevices may be implemented via base station 126 and a wireless networkassociated with network(s) 106. Likewise, a wireless communicationsdevice (e.g., communications device 104) may communicate with anotherwireless communications device via a gateway 130 over a wireline networkassociated with networks 106, as will be described further herein.

In exemplary embodiments, wireless features of communications device 104include wireless local area network (WLAN) components, e.g., IEEE's802.11 standards. Communications device 104 may comprise a cellulartelephone, personal digital assistant, pager, or other suitable type ofwireless communications device or may be a device (portable or notportable) that is configured by a host operator to function with asingle gateway, such as gateway 130. Communications device 104 includesan auto-provisioning element 116 and one or more identifiers, e.g.,private SSIDs and keys 120. The auto-provisioning element 116 mayinclude a signaling component that transmits/receives signals used todetect, or be detected by, an access point. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the private SSID, and key 120 are used by theauto-provisioning system to control roaming of communications device 104and are not accessible to the user of the communications device 104,e.g., by using encryption technologies or other similar security means.The auto-provisioning system ensures that the identifiers are secure, ortamper-proof, so that only authorized devices (e.g., under a serviceagreement) are able to receive the roaming controlled services describedherein. By using, e.g., 802.11 standards which precludes devices frombroadcasting the identifier and keys, the integrity of this informationis protected and prevented from exposure to the public domain.

Various means may be employed to facilitate the auto-provisioningfeatures. For example, the auto-provisioning element may use a featureon Broadcom® Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) chips (e.g., SecureEasy Setup™).In this example, the auto-provisioning feature may control the setupprocess by electrical control via the network(s) 106 and theauto-provisioning application 114. When a network operator desires topass identifiers and keys to a pair of devices (e.g., devices 104 and110), the auto-provisioning application 114 may send the electricalsignal to auto-provisioning element 116, which may send the appropriateelectrical signal to the Broadcom chipset to initiate SecureEasy setup.The Wi-Fi devices (e.g., devices 104 and 110) are then associated andcapable of passing communications; thus, they are provisioned. Theauto-provisioning element 116 may include the capability to verify andauthenticate the peer device(s) as the desired device to be provisionedand/or paired. It may do this, for example, by requesting informationfrom the peer device such as a MAC (Media Access Control) address andverifying with the network via records in storage device 108. If thepeered to device was not allowed, it might simply execute procedures toeliminate the pairing such as changing the security key.

In exemplary embodiments, the private SSID refers to a 32-characterunique identifier associated with packets transmitted over a wirelessnetwork (e.g., 106) and which acts as a password when a wireless deviceinitiates a connection with a basic service set (BSS). A BSS refers toan 802.11 networking framework whereby devices communicate with eachother by first going through an access point (e.g., 110). The SSIDdifferentiates between wireless networks, such that access points andcommunications devices attempting to connect to a particular networkneed to use the same SSID or will not be granted access to the BSS. Thesecurity keys are used to ensure the security of the network ismaintained.

Also included in the system of FIG. 1 is a gateway 130 that furtherincludes access point 110, a router (not shown), and a modem 112.Gateway 130 acts as a communications hub for communications device 104to connect to a wireline network (e.g., one of networks 106). Accesspoint 110 is configured to receive and transmit wireless signals (e.g.,802.11) to one or more devices such as communications device 104 or toan IP network (e.g., one of networks 106) via the router. The modem 112connects the router to the wireline network (e.g., broadband network).The gateway 130 allows communication between a wireline network andwireless communications devices such as communications device 104, aswell as between wireless communications devices. The access point 110also includes one or more identifiers, e.g., private SSIDs, and keys124. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the gateway 130, rather thanthe communications device 104, implements the auto-provisioning via theauto-provisioning elements in the access point 110 and thecommunications device 104. The access point 110 may be implemented by ahardware device or software element. For purposes of illustration,access point 110 comprises a private or non-commercial device that isused, for example, in a home. Additionally, while only onecommunications device 104 is shown in FIG. 1, it will be understood thatmultiple communications devices may be configured for use with theaccess point 110 in order to realize the advantages of the invention.

Also included in the system of FIG. 1 is a second gateway 128 thatcommunicates with host system 102 over a wireline network, such as oneof networks 106. Gateway 128 may comprise similar elements as thosedescribed with respect to the gateway 130. Gateway 128 may be located ina public location for use by customers or subscribers of the roamingcontrolled services described herein. For example, gateway 128 may beoperated by the communications service provider of host system 102 ormay be operated by a commercial establishment that is under agreementwith the service provider to provide roaming controlled wireless networkservices. For purposes of illustration, gateway 128 refers to a “hotspot” that is configured to provide roaming controlled communicationsservices to individuals with multi mode-enabled communications devices.

The roaming controlled communications services provided by host system102 enable users of multi-mode communications devices to communicateover various networks. The roaming controlled services provided mayallow users to save money by connecting to an access point, which inturn, connects the user's communications device to a targetcommunications device via a wireline network (e.g., broadband) asopposed to a wireless network (e.g., cellular). The costs savings may berealized where the costs of communicating over a wireless network aregreater than the costs of communicating over a wireline network.Additionally, in many situations, the quality of service provided viathe wireline network may be generally better than the quality achievedthrough a wireless network.

In addition, these roaming controlled communications services may beremotely provisioned from a centralized system without any requiredaction on the part of the end user. The auto-provisioning functions ofthe roaming controlled network system provide this capability.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a flow diagram describing a process forestablishing a roaming controlled wireless network and implementing theauto-provisioning services will now be described in accordance withexemplary embodiments. At step 202, a user or operator at the hostsystem 102 configures the auto-provisioned, roaming controlled wirelessnetwork, including related services, terms, and conditions. The servicesprovided may include specified controlled roaming communicationscapabilities for an end user of a communications device while present atspecified locations (e.g., access points), or may provide specified costsavings for controlled roaming usage at specified time periods (e.g.,time of day). The services may also include providing cost savings forroaming controlled network usage implemented via partner networks orservice provider entities, for which host system 102 has entered into anagreement.

These services, terms, and conditions may be established via the userinterface of the auto-provisioning application 114, a sample of which isshown in FIG. 3. The user may determine which partner networks may beincluded in the services it offers to its customers. If host system 102is a telecommunications service provider, the host system 102 may selectpartner/competitor telecommunications service provider networks that maybe included in the service offerings in the event host system 102customers travel out of network range. These selections may bedetermined via the CREATE NEW option 304 and NETWORK ID 308 option onthe user interface screen 300 of FIG. 3. NETWORK ID 308 refers to anetwork classification scheme for uniquely identifying various networks,whether internal to the service provider or external (e.g., partnernetworks).

As indicated above, the host system 102 may determine the specificservices it will offer with regard to the roaming controlled wirelessnetwork services. For example, the host system 102 may select CREATE NEW304, DEVICE ID 310, and CUSTOMER/ACCOUNT RECORDS 314 for enteringspecific services for each customer, device, and/or account. Asdescribed above, services offered, e.g., may include free or low costwireline network access for the communications device 104 when itinitiates voice/data communications via gateway 130. The terms andconditions may vary from customer to customer and device to device, andmay be affected by time of day, length of communication, and othercriteria. Alternatively, services may be defined in a general manner byselecting the ROAMING CONTROLLED SERVICES option 312.

Once the roaming controlled network has been configured, eachcommunications device and access point pair (e.g., 104, 110) is assignedat least one identifier, e.g., private SSID, and key, 120 and 124,respectively, neither of which are accessible to users of the device(e.g., customers, end users) at step 204. The information resulting fromthe activities conducted in steps 202 and 204 is stored in one or moredatabases in storage device 108 at step 206. The auto-provisioned,roaming controlled network is ready for utilization.

At step 208, the host system 102 receives a request to activate theroaming controlled services for a communications device (e.g., 104) andgateway (e.g., 130). This activation request may be implemented in avariety of ways (e.g., communications between the communications device104 and the host system 102; a telephone request by a customer using,e.g., a toll-free activation number; a web page provided by the hostsystem 102, etc.). The host system 102 initiates activation of theroaming controlled services at step 210 via the auto-provisioningapplication 114. This may be implemented by transmitting a signal to theauto-provisioning element 122 in gateway 130 via modem 112, which inturn, executes pairing of the SSID and security key by exchanging thembetween communications device 104 and access point 110 via the Wi-Ficonnection. The activation may also include associating specificservices, terms, and conditions with the communications device 104.

At step 212, it is determined whether the pairing is successful. Thismay be implemented by returning a positive/affirmative signal from thegateway 130 to the host system 102. If the pairing is not successful,future attempts to detect, or pair, the communications device 104 (e.g.,additional signal transmission) may be effectuated by the host system102 and the process returns to step 210.

If the pairing is successful at step 212, the auto-provisioningapplication 114 authenticates the communications device 104 and thegateway 130 at step 214. The authentication scheme may be implementedusing Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) that enabled withSubscriber Identify Module (SIM). Alternatively, the authentication maybe implemented using Extensile Authentication Protocol (EAP) SIM and802.1x. Other suitable forms of authentication are contemplated by theroaming controlled network system as well.

Once the private SSIDs and keys have been exchanged between thecommunications device and gateway and all devices and services areauthenticated, the user of the communications device 104 may utilize themulti-mode component of the communications device to connect with theaccess point 110, which in turn, enables the communications device 104to communicate over the wireline network or to other communicationsdevices in accordance with the terms of service provided by thecommunications service provider. Likewise, if the communications device104 enters a “hot spot” that receives roaming controlled servicesprovided by the host system 102, it may be remotely auto-provisioned bythe host system 102 to communicate over a wireline network associatedwith the “hot spot” via a gateway (e.g., gateway 128). In exemplaryembodiments, the auto-provisioning application 114 enables thiscommunication by accessing a record that identifies the communicationsdevice 104 via storage device 108 and verifying the particular services,terms and conditions applicable for this device 104. Network usage forthe communication may also be tracked by the auto-provisioningapplication 114.

The auto-provisioning application 114 enables a user of host system 102to effectively monitor and track this multi-mode network usage by eachof the communications devices it services for billing and other purposesat step 216.

The auto-provisioning application 114 enables the user of host system102 to disseminate identical private SSID and security key pairs tomultiple communications devices and access points (e.g., 104 and 110) toform a community (or network) in which the communication device 104 willhave wireless access (e.g., area in which the communication device 104may roam). Likewise, by either not disseminating the applicable privateSSID and security key pair to a gateway or, by disseminating (via theauto-provisioning application 114) different private SSID and securitykey pairs, the user of the host system 102 controls where communicationdevice 104 may roam. As shown in FIG. 4, the communications device 104is permitted only to roam only to those gateways 400 with private SSIDand security key pair “B” and not to gateways 140 the operator has notdistributed pair “B.”

The user of host system 102 may deploy gateways (e.g., 128, 130, 140)and communication devices (e.g., 104) which can have multiple privateSSIDs and security key pairs assigned to each unit. The user of hostsystem 102 may then disseminate private SSID and security key pairs toform intersecting and non-intersecting unions of wireless (e.g., WiFi)access (e.g., tiered roaming capabilities). As shown in FIG. 4,communications device 104 is assigned private SSID and security key pair“B” and the user of host system 102 then disseminates the assigned pair“B” by using the auto-provisioning application 114. The “B” pair mayhave been previously disseminated to the gateways 400 or may also bedistributed during the activation via the auto-provisioning application114. Communications device 104 is then permitted access to all thegateways 400 that also have received pair “B,” thus, allowing theoperator to control roaming. The operator may use the auto-provisioningapplication 114 to provision other operator's gateways andcommunications devices as well.

As described above, the present invention can be embodied in the form ofcomputer-implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing thoseprocesses. The present invention can also be embodied in the form ofcomputer program code containing instructions embodied in tangiblemedia, such as floppy diskettes, CD ROMs, hard drives, or any othercomputer-readable storage medium, wherein, when the computer programcode is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes anapparatus for practicing the invention. The present invention can alsobe embodied in the form of computer program code, for example, whetherstored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer,wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into an executed by acomputer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing theinvention. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, thecomputer program code segments configure the microprocessor to createspecific logic circuits.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplaryembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying outthis invention, but that the invention will include all embodimentsfalling within the scope of the claims. Moreover, the use of the termsfirst, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but ratherthe terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element fromanother. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote alimitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least oneof the referenced item.

1. A method for implementing a roaming controlled wireless network andservices, comprising: configuring a plurality of communities of wirelessaccess networks, each community having a gateway device, wherein eachgateway device within a community is assigned a first identicalidentifier and key pair, the first identical identifier and key pairdefining the community as compared to others of the communities ofwireless access networks; wherein the configuring further comprisesassigning a second identical identifier and key pair to at least one ofthe gateways, the second identical identifier and key pair differentfrom the first, the second identical identifier and key pair defining asecond community in the wireless access networks; assigning multipleidentifier and key pairs to a multi-mode network-enabled communicationsdevice, each of the multiple identifier and key pairs corresponding to acommunity; configuring a third community of wireless access networks byassigning a third identical identifier and key pair to a gateway devicethat is not within the first or second community, and assigning thethird identical identifier and key pair, which third identicalidentifier and key pair is different than the first and second identicalidentifiers and key pairs, to one of the gateway devices that is part ofat least one of the first and second communities; wherein the thirdidentical identifier and key pair define the third community asoverlapping the at least one of the first and second communities;configuring an auto-provisioning element on at least one of thecommunication device and the gateway devices; remotely provisioningactivation of roaming controlled communications services for the enduser of the communications device, without any required action by theend user, the remote provisioning including transmitting a signal to oneof the communications device and the gateway device configured with theauto-provisioning element and which communications device and gatewaydevice share an identical identifier and key pair, the signal causingthe devices to exchange shared identical identifiers and key pairs via awireless local network; and responsive to exchanging the identifiers andkeys between the devices, permitting the communications device tocommunicate over the wireline network via the gateway device.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: configuring services, terms, andconditions for the roaming controlled communications services; whereinthe permitting the communications device to communicate over thewireline network includes: retrieving a record from a database thatidentifies the communications device; verifying the services, terms, andconditions specified in the record; and tracking network usage of thecommunications device occurring over the wireline network andimplementing a billing system based upon the network usage.
 3. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the services include providing cost savingsfor controlled roaming communications usage during specified timeperiods by transitioning to lower cost wireline networks when thewireline network is available.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein theproviding cost saving for controlled roaming communications usage duringspecified time periods is performed when the communications deviceinitiates voice or data communications via the gateway device.
 5. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the terms and conditions vary among at leastone of: customers; communications devices; time of day; and duration ofcommunication.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving arequest to activate the roaming controlled communications services viaat least one of: a toll-free activation number; and a web page providedby the service provider that provides the roaming controlledcommunications services.
 7. A system for implementing a roamingcontrolled wireless network and services, comprising: a host system incommunication with a multi-mode network-enabled communications deviceand a plurality of gateway devices, each of the devices including anauto-provisioning element configured therein; an auto-provisioningapplication executing on the host system, performing: configuring aplurality of communities of wireless access networks, each communityhaving a gateway device, wherein each gateway device within a communityis assigned a first identical identifier and key pair, the firstidentical identifier and key pair defining the community as compared toothers of the communities of wireless access networks; wherein theconfiguring further comprises assigning a second identical identifierand key pair to at least one of the gateways, the second identicalidentifier and key pair different from the first, the second identicalidentifier and key pair defining a second community in the wirelessaccess networks; assigning multiple identifier and key pairs to themulti-mode network-enabled communications device, each of the multipleidentifier and key pairs corresponding to a community; configuring athird community of wireless access networks by assigning third identicalidentifier and key pair to a gateway device that is not within the firstor second community, and assigning the third identical identifier andkey pair, which third identical identifier and key pair is differentthan the first and second identical identifiers and key pairs, to one ofthe gateway devices that is part of at least one of the first and secondcommunities; wherein the third identical identifier and key pair definethe third community as overlapping the at least one of the first andsecond communities; remotely provisioning activation of roamingcontrolled communications services for the end user of thecommunications device, without any required action by the end user, theremote provisioning including transmitting a signal to thecommunications device and the gateway device configured with theauto-provisioning element and which communications device and gatewaydevice share an identical identifier and key pair, the signal causingthe devices to exchange shared identical identifiers and key pairs via awireless local network; and responsive to exchanging the identifiers andkeys between the devices, permitting the communications device tocommunicate over the wireline network via the gateway device.
 8. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein the auto-provisioning application furtherperforms: configuring services, terms, and conditions for the roamingcontrolled communications services; wherein the permitting thecommunications device to communicate over the wireline network includes:retrieving a record from a database that identifies the communicationsdevice; verifying the services, terms, and conditions specified in therecord; and tracking network usage of the communications deviceoccurring over the wireline network and implementing a billing systembased upon the network usage.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein theservices include providing cost savings for controlled roamingcommunications usage during specified time periods by transitioning tolower cost wireline networks when the wireline network is available. 10.The system of claim 9, wherein the providing cost saving for controlledroaming communications usage during specified time periods is performedwhen the communications device initiates voice or data communicationsvia the gateway device.
 11. The system of claim 8, wherein the terms andconditions vary among at least one of: customers; communicationsdevices; time of day; and duration of communication.
 12. The system ofclaim 7, wherein the auto-provisioning application further performs:receiving a request to activate the roaming controlled communicationsservices via a toll-free activation number.
 13. The system of claim 7,wherein the auto-provisioning application further performs: receiving arequest to activate the roaming controlled communications services via aweb page provided by the service provider that provides the roamingcontrolled communications services.
 14. A computer program productcomprising a computer readable medium storing instructions forimplementing a roaming controlled wireless network and services,comprising: configuring a plurality of communities of wireless accessnetworks, each community having a gateway device, wherein each gatewaydevice within a community is assigned a first identical identifier andkey pair, the first identical identifier and key pair defining thecommunity as compared to others of the communities of wireless accessnetworks; wherein the configuring further comprises assigning a secondidentical identifier and key pair to at least one of the gateways, thesecond identical identifier and key pair different from the first, thesecond identical identifier and key pair defining a second community inthe wireless access networks; assigning multiple identifier and keypairs to a multi-mode network-enabled communications device, each of themultiple identifier and key pairs corresponding to a community;configuring a third community of wireless access networks by assigning athird identical identifier and key pair to a gateway device that is notwithin the first or second community, and assigning the third identicalidentifier and key pair, which third identical identifier and key pairis different than the first and second identical identifiers and keypairs, to one of the gateway devices that is part of at least one of thefirst and second communities; wherein the third identical identifier andkey pair define the third community as overlapping the at least one ofthe first and second communities; configuring an auto-provisioningelement on at least one of the communications device and the gatewaydevices; remotely provisioning activation of roaming controlledcommunications services for the end user of the communications device,without any required action by the end user, the remote provisioningincluding transmitting a signal to one of the communications device andthe gateway device configured with the auto-provisioning element andwhich communications device and gateway device share an identicalidentifier and key pair, the signal causing the devices to exchangeshared identical identifiers and key pairs via a wireless local network;and responsive to exchanging the identifiers and keys between thedevices, permitting the communications device to communicate over thewireline network via the gateway device.
 15. The computer programproduct of claim 14, further comprising instructions for implementing:configuring services, terms, and conditions for the roaming controlledcommunications services; wherein the permitting the communicationsdevice to communicate over the wireline network includes: retrieving arecord from a database that identifies the communications device;verifying the services, terms, and conditions specified in the record;and tracking network usage of the communications device occurring overthe wireline network and implementing a billing system based upon thenetwork usage.
 16. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein theservices include: providing cost savings for controlled roamingcommunications usage during specified time periods by transitioning tolower cost wireline networks when the wireline network is available. 17.The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the providing costsaving for controlled roaming communications usage during specified timeperiods is performed when the communications device initiates voice ordata communications via the gateway device.
 18. The computer programproduct of claim 15, wherein the terms and conditions vary among atleast one of: customers; communications devices; time of day; andduration of communication.
 19. The computer program product of claim 14,further comprising instructions for implementing: receiving a request toactivate the roaming controlled communications services via at least oneof a toll-free activation number and a web page provided by the serviceprovider that provides the roaming controlled communications services.